Devin Townsend

Featured on
Ayreon – The Human Equation
Ayreon – Loser

Audio
Day Three: Pain
Day Eight: School

Website
HevyDevy

Arjen explains:
– What made you choose Devin Townsend for this Ayreon project?
Arjen: I first heard Devin when he sang on Steve Vai’s ‘Sex and Religion’ album, and we all knew something extraordinary was happening here! Then much later I received a stack of albums and when I listened to them Devin Townsend’s album really stuck out, I believe it was ‘Terria’. Clearly something unique was happening here; this wall of sound, lots of weirdness and great melodies. At first I didn’t know whether to like it or not, but then I found myself playing it over and over again and came to the conclusion that I really do like it.

– How did you get in touch with Devin?
Arjen: I got his emailaddress from our mutual label Inside Out and asked him if he would be interested to guest on this Ayreon album. At first he simply said ‘no’, because he doesn’t like to sing other people’s lyrics and melodies. Because I really wanted to have him on this album I suggested that he could write his own lyrics. He agreed, so I sent him the instrumental tracks, explained him what the story is about and told him I would like him to portray the emotion ‘Rage’.

– Where did Devin record his vocals?
Arjen: Devin recorded his tracks in his own studio in Canada. He just came back from a year of extensive touring, so I had to wait for a couple of months. But it was well worth the wait! He recorded many vocal tracks per song (sometimes over 20!) and really put a lot of work into it.

– How would you describe Devin’s voice?
Arjen: Very expressive and emotional. I like his extremes; at times very melodic and almost Beatles-like, and next absolutely over the top and merciless! I really like his multiple harmony stuff with its many layers and his ferocious screams.

– What was the most memorable moment?
Arjen: That must be his screams in the song Loser. Amazing…I have no idea what he means exactly, but the message surely comes across! – What was something you absolutely didn’t expect? I didn’t expect him to be so precise, I guess he’s as big a perfectionist as I am. When I told him this on the phone he answered “Well, it has to be perfect, hasn’t it?”.

– What was something Devin did not expect?
Arjen: I guess he didn’t expect me to answer him that he could write his own lyrics. He told me on the phone how glad he was that I gave him this freedom. He also told me that he really liked the songs he had to do, which is a great compliment coming from a unique artist such as him.

– Devin has the unique ability to…
Arjen: …make you love or hate him, there is no middle course.

– Describe the endresult of the session.
Arjen: I think it’s very cool to have Devin on my album. Although (or maybe because) he’s very different from the other singers, he fits in perfectly and he’s definitely an added value to this album. I think even people who are not a fan of his have to admit this and will secretly start checking out his albums!